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Spittle Bugs


Found throughout the United States, spittle bug adults normally go unnoticed due to their tiny ¼ inch size and their green to brown coloration.  Their young however are much less inconspicuous in their activity and tend to unmeaning fully draw attention to their presence with their spit like masses in which they shelter during feeding.  Spittle bug nymphs are often yellow, orange or green in color and multiple nymphs can be found in spittle mass.  After hatching from eggs that females have laid in hidden areas of the plant, nymphs begin feeding on the sap that they suck from the plant.  Feeding may cause some distortion to the plant, but extensive damage is uncommon.  Nymphs go through five molts before reaching adulthood. Insecticides are not necessary for control due to their non-damaging habits.  Hand removal or rinsing affected plants with water to remove spittle masses is typically the best method for removal and control.  Juniper bushes and pines are favorites of spittle bugs; however, they may be found on any plant or foliage.